Shuttering Ply
(6 Products)Shuttering plywood is a type of highly densified engineered wood characterised by its incredible strength and structural stability. This robust building board is mainly used for creating temporary structures to hold concrete in place until it sets and hardens into the desired shape. Designed primarily for its function as opposed to its aesthetic, shuttering ply is best applied in applications that will receive an attractive outer veneer.
What Is Shuttering Plywood?
Shuttering plywood, also known as formwork plywood or concrete form plywood, is a type of plywood specifically designed for use in construction and concrete formwork applications.
It is typically made from multiple layers of thin wood veneers that are bonded together with adhesive, resulting in a sturdy and durable panel.
Shuttering plywood is used to create temporary moulds or forms into which concrete is poured. These moulds or forms help shape and support the concrete until it cures and gains sufficient strength to stand on its own.
Why Use Shuttering Plywood?
The primary purpose of shuttering plywood is to provide structural support and maintain the desired shape and dimensions of the concrete during the pouring and curing process.
Shuttering plywood can be used for general-purpose building applications where load-bearing ability and extreme strength are required. Shuttering ply is suitable for concrete shuttering, site hoarding, roofing or flooring.
Where is Shuttering Plywood Used?
- General structural use and general construction
- Renovation work
- Hoarding
- Shuttering
- Packaging
- Protecting flooring
- Structural and non-structural building work
- Provides a solid wall/ temporary structure while concrete sets
- Suitable for interior applications
For exterior use, the panel should be treated with a suitable wood treatment/sealant to ensure that all edges are properly sealed.
If you're after plywood that's suitable for structural and exterior applications, check out our range of hardwood plywood - suitable for use in roofing, flooring, interior walls and exterior wall sheathing.
Shuttering Plywood Benefits
- Smooth coating on both faces
- High-quality concrete cast surface
- Strong and durable, yet lightweight and easy to work with
- Resistant to moisture and rot, making it ideal for use in damp or wet conditions
- Weather-resistant
- A cost-effective solution for many construction projects
- Standard Sheet Sizes: 2400mm x 1220mm (8ft x 4ft)
Shuttering Plywood C+/C Composition
Shuttering Plywood is an extremely high-strength board that sees multiple layers of softwood plywood glued together. This multiple-layer composition endows the sheets with exceptional strength, making them a reliable material choice for load-bearing purposes.
Though this plywood isn't always the most pleasing to the eye (because of potential knots from the manufacturing process), it is still extremely sturdy and useful for construction projects that don't require an aesthetic finish.
Frequently Asked Shuttering Plywood Questions
What Is The Difference Between Shuttering Ply and Normal Ply?
Shuttering ply and normal ply differ primarily in their intended uses and manufacturing processes. Shuttering ply is specifically designed for use in concrete formwork, featuring high durability and water resistance, which allows for multiple reuses in construction settings.
In contrast, normal ply, or general-purpose plywood, is used in a wide range of applications such as furniture making, interior design, and panelling. It varies in grade and finish depending on the specific use, typically being less durable and water-resistant than shuttering ply.
These distinctions make shuttering ply more suitable for heavy-duty construction tasks, while normal ply serves well for every day, less demanding applications.
Is Shuttering Plywood Waterproof?
Shuttering plywood is specifically designed to be utilised as a temporary waterproofing barrier. It is commonly used during construction projects as a means to protect a structure's interior from water damage while the exterior is being worked on.
What Is The Shuttering Process?
'Formwork' is a general term which refers to the forming process using a wide variety of materials, while, 'shuttering' is a term which specifies the use of plywood when forming the mould.
Shuttering is essentially used as a temporary mould to secure the wet concrete in place until it has fully cured.
What Makes Shuttering Ply So Dense?
Shuttering ply owes its density to at least nine layers of tightly packed core veneers. These veneers are compressed using high-pressure machines at extremely high temperatures.
Because of this density, shuttering plywood is exclusively used in applications where it's required to withstand massive loads.
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